VideoEquity

From Local Organizer to Housing Commissioner: Seila Mosquera-Bruno

Seila Mosquera-Bruno's story is one of resilience. Arriving in the U.S. as a single mother at 24, she is now Connecticut's commissioner of housing. This video is part of Shelterforce’s Women of Color on the Front Lines series.

Photo by Ragesoss, via Wikimedia Commons, CC-BY-SA-2.5

Seila Mosquera-Bruno‘s story is a testament to resilience and determination. Arriving in the United States as a single mother at the age of 24, Mosquera-Bruno embarked on a journey fueled by the desire to provide for her family and complete her studies.

Undeterred by countless challenges, she seized a paid internship, which served as her gateway into the intricate realm of community development. She was a local organizer, and served as president and CEO of NeighborWorks New Horizons from 1996 to 2019.

Her unwavering commitment led her to champion causes close to her heart, culminating in her current role as commissioner of Connecticut’s Department of Housing. Mosquera-Bruno was appointed commissioner by Gov. Ned Lamont in 2019 and re-appointed for a second term in 2023.

Mosquera-Bruno’s powerful story encapsulates the triumph of resilience, the conquest of barriers, and the ascent from single motherhood to a position of influence. Today, she stands as a beacon of inspiration, proving that determination, coupled with passion, can rewrite the narrative and lead to extraordinary accomplishments.

This video is part of Shelterforce’s Women of Color on the Front Lines series.

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